Barcelona on-loan ace already outperforms former star who joined club under similar circumstances | OneFootball

In football, fans are often warned never to fall in love with a loan player. The logic is simple because once the spell ends, the heartbreak begins. 

Yet, Marcus Rashford seems determined to make Barcelona supporters ignore that age-old advice.

Since joining on loan from Manchester United, the English forward has been nothing short of spectacular. 

In just 14 appearances across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, Rashford has already contributed six goals and five assists, emerging as one of Barcelona’s most decisive attacking forces this season. 

What makes Rashford’s form even more impressive is how it compares to Joao Felix, another high-profile loanee who joined Barcelona in 2023. 

Comparing the numbers

Much like Rashford, Felix began his stint in electrifying fashion, scoring and assisting freely during his first few outings. 

After 14 matches in a Barcelona shirt, Felix had played 938 minutes, registering a goal involvement every 156 minutes. 

Joao Felix arrived at Barcelona under similar circumstances (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

This is because he had a strong start, having scored a goal against Real Betis, a brace and an assist versus Royal Antwerp, and another strike against Celta Vigo.

However, his contribution faded as the campaign progressed.

By the end of his time at the club, Felix had accumulated 16 direct goal contributions (10 goals and 6 assists) in 2,143 minutes, averaging one every 134 minutes. 

What about Rashford?

Rashford, meanwhile, has already outperformed that efficiency. 

At present, the Englishman averages a goal contribution every 87 minutes during a period when Barcelona have been stretched by injuries.

What stands out most about Rashford’s adaptation is his willingness to shoulder responsibility. 

With several key players sidelined, he has stepped up with both leadership and quality. 

If he continues at this rate, he could easily surpass Felix’s total tally and perhaps force Barcelona into rethinking his status beyond the current loan spell. 

Source: Mundo Deportivo